Why storytime matters
People have told stories to children for as long as there have been children. Stories pass on values, explain how the world works, entertain, and help children make sense of feelings. For preschoolers, storytime is also a regular chance to sit close with a trusted adult, listen to language that is richer than everyday talk, and practice paying attention.
Many pediatric and early-childhood organizations encourage reading aloud with children from a young age. The research on reading aloud is broad, and exact effects vary by child, so it is best to think of storytime as one helpful part of a language-rich day rather than a guaranteed outcome.
Benefits of storytime
Language and vocabulary. Books often use words and sentence patterns children do not hear in everyday conversation. Talking about pictures and new words helps children learn them.
Early literacy concepts. Through being read to, children can learn that books are read front to back, that print carries meaning, that text goes left to right in English, and that stories have a beginning, middle and end. These ideas help prepare children for learning to read.
Listening and attention. Sitting for a story gives children practice at listening, waiting and following a sequence of events.
Bonding and comfort. Cuddling with a book can be calming, and shared reading is a pleasant routine many families look forward to.
Imagination and thinking. Stories invite children to predict, imagine and wonder “what if.”
Social and emotional understanding. Characters who feel nervous, angry or left out give children a way to talk about feelings. Books like those in our preschool picture book guide can help start these conversations.
What age to start
There is no age that is too early. Many families start reading to babies, who may simply enjoy the sound of a voice and the closeness. Toddlers enjoy short books with pictures and sounds, and for them our guide to board books for 1 and 2 year olds may help. Preschoolers can follow longer stories with more plot.
How to read a story to preschoolers
- Pick a calm time and place. Bedtime, after a meal or a quiet period in class all work.
- Choose a book together. Offer two options so the child has a say.
- Look at the cover. Ask what they notice and what they think will happen.
- Read with expression. Change your pace and voice, and use pauses.
- Point at pictures and invite children to name things.
- Pause with repeating lines so children can say them with you.
- Follow their interests. If they want to talk about one page, let them.
- Finish with a short chat about favorite parts or how the characters felt.
- Be ready to repeat. Rereading helps children learn the language and story.
Questions to ask during and after
- “What do you see on this page?”
- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “How is the character feeling?”
- “What was your favorite part?”
- “Has anything like this happened to you?”
Not every page needs a question. A few at the right moments keep the story flowing.
Making storytime part of the day
- Keep a basket of books within reach.
- Visit the library regularly.
- Read at the same time each day.
- Mix books you read with stories you tell from memory or make up together.
- Use storytelling during car rides or walks.
- Fit a story into circle time; see the importance of circle time for preschoolers.
- Let children “read” to you, even if they are retelling from the pictures.
Group storytime tips
In a classroom or library group, keep sessions short enough for the youngest, use big, clear books, and add songs or movement between stories. A seasonal theme can add excitement; see our summer storytime ideas for one example. Older children, such as kindergartners, may move on to small-group practice; see reading group activities for kindergarten.
If a child has additional needs, such as sensory sensitivities, adapt with a predictable routine, shorter books and room to move. Our list of autism books for preschoolers includes some reading tips that may help any child.
Storytime is also a good starting point for building language skills (see language development activities for 3 to 5 year olds) and for talking about kindness and feelings (preschool character development).
Safety and comfort notes
- Keep small objects used as story props, such as puppets with button eyes or small toys, out of reach of babies and toddlers.
- Supervise children with books, especially board books that may be chewed.
- Make sure seating is stable and uncrowded so children are not squashed or knocked over.
- Avoid putting books or soft items in a baby’s sleep space.
- Use a comfortable volume; very loud voices may startle young children.
Frequently asked questions
Why do we tell stories to children? Stories entertain, teach language and values, and help children connect with others.
How long should storytime last? Many preschoolers manage about 10 to 20 minutes in total, but it varies. Stop when interest fades.
Should screens replace books? Screen time has different effects than shared reading. Interactive, adult-led reading is generally valued because of the conversation it supports. Discuss screen use with your pediatrician if you have questions.